Switch assembly for flip-up mower deck

Abstract

A mower deck is selectively coupled to the front of a propelling vehicle. The deck includes an electric mowing height adjustment assembly to permit the user to vary the cutting height of the mower deck. The deck is movable about a lift shaft from a generally horizontal use position to an upright storage/servicing position while the deck is coupled with the vehicle. An electric actuator and a switch mount of the mowing height adjustment assembly not only provide the user with a way to adjust the cutting height but also cooperate with the remainder of the mowing height adjustment assembly to allow movement of the deck from the use position to the storage/servicing position. Movement of the switch mount from a generally horizontal, engaged use position to a unengaged position permits the deck to be moved from the use position to the upright storage/servicing position.

1. A mechanism capable of changing a position of a mower deck from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position, said mechanism comprising:
 an actuating member comprising:
 first and second ends, the first end coupled with a forward portion of the mower deck and the second end coupled with a rear portion of the mower deck; 
 a motor; 
 a series of gears coupled with the motor; 
 a threaded rod coupled with the series of gears; and 
 a carriage coupled with the threaded rod; 
 
 a switch assembly mechanically and electrically coupled with the actuating member, wherein the switch assembly is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and 
 a height adjustment mechanism coupled to the switch assembly; 
 wherein movement of the switch assembly from the engaged position to the disengaged position activates the actuating member and causes the mower deck to move from the generally horizontal position toward the generally vertical position. 
 
     
     
       2. The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the engaged position is generally horizontal. 
     
     
       3. The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the disengaged position is generally non-horizontal. 
     
     
       4. The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the motor is used to drive the height adjustment mechanism. 
     
     
       5. The mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes a spacer assembly, the spacer assembly including an attachment mechanism and at least one spacer, wherein the at least one spacer cooperates with the actuator and the switch assembly to permit a fixed height adjustment.